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Enjoyed the show as always this week. Quite a few stood out:

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (I missed this one last week, so it was awesome I got to see it on Tuesday)
~ Enigmatic, says what's on his mind, great sense of humour, very well spoken & down to earth (a fortunate recipient of JFK-like leadership genes there). I admire his fierce protectiveness of the planet & those living in poverty. There is talk that Obama is considering him for cabinet as Chief of Environmental Protection Agency....I for one, certainly hope to see that happen. Perhaps he'll converse with the other great environmentalist interviewed this week: Ray Anderson.
Jay Baruchel
~ Very entertaining! Watching him makes me think of a future De Niro/Edward Norton/Johnny Depp. Mmmm.....can't wait to see what he looks like in 15yrs.
For the uncut, uncensored interview: check it out - a "cat nerd" & a Habs fan to boot!
Farley Mowat
~ I admit it.....totally got choked up when he was recalling his experience with the German soldier. What an amazing life he's led & the passions he fights for.
Scott McClellan
~ his book should be one hell of a read!
Kings of Leon
~SO glad George introduced me to this amazing music.
Jenuine
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Okay, I have to start this off by getting something off my chest: feet licking is DISGUSTING. How that could possibly be erotic or appealing absolutely boggles my mind. So seeing it in the Monday Cold Open... gross. And then to hear that Chocolate Body Paint could be tainted with melamine in the Mile A Minute... tragic (though never fear, nutella's a much better tasting alternative. Or you can make your own... seriously. Google the recipe. I have.) Monday's first guest, John Bul Dau, was absolutely stunning to listen to. It always humbles me to hear about someone who has seen so much horror in their life, yet still be able to function. His culture shock stories about coming to America were fantastic... it's amazing how we North Americans take simple things like snow or electricity or even the sliding doors at the grocery store for granted. I generally don't agree with anything that Suzanne Somers says, but her "pick it - pluck it - milk it - shoot it" description of the food that we should eat was right on the mark.

Oh, the childhood memories that came floating back to me on Tuesday, with Oscar the Grouch's appearance in the cold open. Remember the Yip Yip Aliens? Monsterpiece theatre? When Snuffalupagus was invisible to everyone but Big Bird? Good times. David Suzuki drove the OMAOG point home: one act is not enough, but it's a start. That, and no one's perfectly green all the time. George was having way too much fun in The News on Tuesday... which made it hilarious. Cutting all those Rudy Ray Moore clips into The News was hilarious, but the news of the week really was Usher's announcement of his "ladies only" tour in more intimate venues, to thank his female fans for their support. George and the writers nailed it on the head... follow up tours include the "Yeah I really gotta go" tour, the "You might want to get tested" tour and the "What? You said you were on the pill!" tour. I found it very interesting to learn that Alanis Morrisette was one of the first artists to use recycled paper for their album art. Also like that she says that happiness is not what life is about, it's about striving for peace because happiness is such a temporary state.

George's proclamation on Wednesday that the Liberal Leadership convention is a great idea. Imagine the revenue that the allegedly broke Liberal party could bring in by selling tickets to the ring events! The OMAOG PSA produced by Artmitage Public School is awesome... love the little girl who proclaims for all that her dad litters. Photographer Edward Burtynsky's work is absolutely stunning and I think he's bang on with his belief that landscape is much more than the traditional definition. I picked up a new term in The News on Wednesday... "intellectual ninja". Awesome term. There are so many people I could describe with that. And Miss Louisiana takes the cake: dining and dashing and forgetting her purse. And then going back to retrieve it? And she's surprised that she was charged? Really? The pot bust on top of that makes the whole thing that much more priceless. Regular Hour guest Mike Holmes was fun as usual and it's great to see a contractor with a passion to do the right thing. I don't know if the people around me have bad luck with contractors, but the ones I've encountered lately are the opposite of Holmes. I admire him for his refusal to build homes larger than 2000 sq. ft. Because really, unless you have a huge family, no one needs a McMansion. Sure they are pretty, but they are also generally quite ridiculous.

Careful... FREAKY SCIENCE AHEAD! Scientists have figured out how to modify the memories of mice. As George said, it's Eternal Sunshine for the Spotless Mouse. Now, quite frankly, there are a few things I'd like to forget from my past, but I'd also like to think that those bad experience played a part in making me who I am. It's an interesting quandry. In the set up for Dr. Julio Montaner, I gasped audibly when I saw the slate next to Knowlten Nash proclaiming AIDS as the "gay plague". It's shocking to see how AIDS was treated then. Unfortunately, it's still treated as such in some circles. Dr. Motaner is just what the AIDS epidemic needs... it's unfortunate that his drive and passion are stifled by the people who have the power to enact change. It shocks me that the tools and knowledge in use today could solve 90% of the problem, but political interference is slowing or ultimately stopping any progress. John Legend was an interesting interview, and I think his humanitarian work is amazing. Not many people I know would want to adopt an entire village. Good on him. I just wish his music wasn't produced by Kanye West, because that means I have to boycott it.

~Mich

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It's our review of the week that was for October 13th to 16th...

With the election and Thanksgiving, the week had a really weird vibe to it, but there were some great moments on The Hour. On Monday, I found it interesting to learn that 100% of the profits from Virgin Airlines goes towards research for alternative fuel sources. I loved the idea of coconuts as fuel, but as Branson said, we need to find an alternative fuel that doesn't cut into the world's food supply. The best point Branson made was that people who are in any position to make a difference should, regardless of status or wealth. I've never really known what to think about Alice Cooper. As a kid all my friends had his records, but I never really learned anything about him. Before that, all I knew about him was the rumour and innuendo. It wasn't until earlier this year, when I heard him follow George on the Drew Marshall show that I really learned a bit about who Alice Cooper really is, versus the Vaudevillian character he plays on stage. So I was intrigued by him appearing on The Hour because of that, but also because of the past stories George has told about the effect seeing Cooper on The Muppet Show had on him. I love how, in The Hour interview, Cooper describes his shows as "strange vaudeville". I still question how he can justify his act as a avid Christian, but all that really matters is that he can justify it.

Other than learning about C-Vert, the Stephen Bronfman interview left me pretty cold. But C-Vert is a pretty cool little initiative. It would be nice to see something like that go nationwide. Okay... Angelina Jolie buys her son her first dagger? WTF? Really? What's next? My first taser? My first spear? I have to make a confession. I rarely, if ever, watch SNL. I'll watch clips when they make news, but I just don't watch it. So I had no freakin' clue who Finesse Mitchell was. And to a point, I still don't know. But he was funny... it's an amazing route that his life has taken to where he is now. Oh and George cooking on Steven and Chris? That should be interesting...

I was in the audience at the taping of Thursday's show and I loved the interview with the Dragons about the economy. I can't think of another time where George really challenged a guest (yes yes, I know he challenges guests all the time... but this time it seemed more intense), but his emphatic arguement against the Dragons about property ownership being a right not a priviledge really made me sit up and take notice of what they were saying. What's your thoughts on property ownership? I can see George's side (and tend to agree with it), but I can also see the Dragon's point of view. I think I agree with the whole concept of going back to the 50s era school of thought where debt was viewed as a bad thing ("scared of debt"), rather than now where being in debt seems almost expected and required. But of course then there's whole bad debt versus good debt issue, and then it gets complicated. No wonder most people glaze over when it comes to economics. I can honestly say that this is one economy interview that was actually engaging and easy to listen to. Robin Thicke left me cold. Poor Kyra Phillips... man, my worst nightmare is making one of those on air blunder. The worst I've ever pulled off was "orgasm" for "organism", but that wasn't on live television. Thank goodness.

It's very cool that the YouTube Channel has surpassed 10 million hits.

~Mich

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Our views and reviews of The Hour during the week of October 6th...

The week opened with more news about the economic downturn. I have to agree with George's "new word" for the economic situation (after an economist said that we need a new word to describe the situation)... "Shitfire". Sounds good to me, though personally I like "Clusterfuck" but since it's not a new word, it doesn't qualify. Enjoyed Daniel Levitin... his theories on music make total sense to me. I look forward to picking up his book. Mark McKinney was also very interesting. I was a fan of Kids in the Hall and I was completely enamoured with Slings & Arrows, I found his take on "being the second guy in" on an idea amusing... and that he said that is because he is better at seeing exactly what an idea might need to work, finally made something I'd tried to put into words for years finally click.

Julie Couillard did nothing for me... and I had a hard time listening to her because she came across as arrogant and her answers contrived. I don't quite understand how trash talking her ex will give her back her reputation and credibility. The saying "Least said, soonest mended" comes to mind, but perhaps that doesn't translate into French. I was surprised at James Cameron, I didn't expect him to be as personable as he came across. I loved his description of Titanic as a movie with funny hats, corsets and an ending that's already spoiled.

Wednesday kind of surprised me. I was fully prepared to not have any sympathy for mafiaboy, and I'm still not entirely sure what I think about it. I appreciated that he said he was remorseful, but I don't know. It does take guts to reveal himself when he could have hidden behind the anonymity that he had as a juvenile offender, but I'm just not sure about the whole thing. Chantal Petitclerc reminded me of another wheelchair racer that I once knew who also did the international circuit and has since retired. I find it a shame that wheelchair racing was not a demonstration sport and I still don't entirely understand why the Paralympics are a separate entity. I hope Petitclerc will continue to work to raise the awareness of Paralympians.
~Mich
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So I'm the second one in. ;) Mr. McKinney may be on to something with that concept.

Honestly, I would have been happy to stop watching after Monday's show. Mark McKinney was charming, intelligent and self effacing. As a huge fan of Kids in the Hall, I was pleased to see him on The Hour. The Kids were and ARE Alright...

Daniel Levitin was someone I'd wanted to see on the show for a while. I loved Levitin's first book 'This is Your Brain on Music' and as for the latest - 'The World in Six Songs' - it's a must read. Music provokes, evokes and adds to MY life experiences in some way every day - perhaps you're the same? Levitin isn't your typical academic. The Doc Rocks!

The interview with Michael Culce 'Mafia Boy' simultaneously charmed and scared the shit out of me. That internet security is so lacking that a kid - granted an intelligent and intuitive one - could bring down some of the largest and most powerful sites on the www is alarming. I would have liked to hear a bit more of his plans for the future - hopefully he'll do a lot of good on the 'right' side of the mouse. If I read his book, you can be sure I ain't ordering it online with my credit card! ;)

Chantal Peticlerc - Effervescent and well spoken - a true Champion and role model in every sense. Class personified.
- Tracy
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As a Quebecer I liked seeing Julie Cuillard, and Michael Culce tell their story because I know people like them... Interesting characters. I wish I knew people like Chatal Peticlerc because she seems like an inspirationional person. I can't add anything more that what has been said about this week. I am not sure why but I wish it did have more politicians in it.

It was a long week for me but a short week for The Hour.

Actually The Hour crew will still be working tonight on the final announcment for the Hockey Theme contest then they get a break for thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving!

-Barbara W

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With the election just around the corner, the hilarious moments of The Most Important Federal Election of 2008 will be coming to an end...this makes me sad. However, I am looking forward to the return of The Hour to Newsworld at 8pm EST. I had a telephone conversation with a CBC Audience Relations representative a couple of weeks ago, who assured me that the Newsworld schedule would return to normal after the BIG event.

I quite enjoyed the James Cameron interview. I did not know of his past involvement in the 'Custodial Arts'. While certainly not as inspirational as Chantal Petitclerc, it is quite something that someone who once scraped gum off of tables, ended up being the director of the highest grossing movie in history.

Chantal Petitclerc's interview was the highlight of the week for me. She and our other Paralympians have done our nation proud. What a shame that our government does not reward their acheivements as they do that of our able-bodied athletes.

Julie Couillard's interview surprised me...sort of. One one hand I think that she has been vilified by the media. But then on the other hand I think that if I wanted to improve my reputation or change people's view of me, I would make an effort to distance myself from the past. Writing a tell all book and then hopping on the tour bandwagon just keeps the story out there.

Mafiaboy/Michael Culce...I'm not sure I'm one hundred percent convinced he is as remorseful as he claims. It disappoints me that based on the story as he tells it, that when he first told his panini-eating father about his involvement in illegal activity, that his dad did not suggest he simply turn himself in then and there...but that could just be me. And now he has a book, from which he will profit. Nice how it's all worked out, isn't it?

~ Steph

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It's our take on this week's episodes of The Hour... the best (and worst) moments of the week, the jokes that made us laugh (or groan) and the guests that made us think (or want to smack the television)... all this and more! It's our look back on another week of The Hour.

Leave us a comment, we want to hear what YOU thought of this week on The Hour.
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I only caught glimmers this week - but here's my take on the week that was.

A highlight for me was Spike Lee. A true visionary - creative, provocative and skilled in his filmmaking. In his role as a 'spokeperson' for Black America - he's sought out to supply context and commentary on sociopolitical issues Spike is more deliberate and thoughtful in his statements than he was in his youth. Love his take on Palin.

Pink - love her. Unscripted. Uninhibited. Wildly creative. Who else but Pink would cast her ex-husband in her latest video? Mr. President is still one of my favourite songs off her last CD - a powerful and timely message. She doesn't take shit and I respect that. Stupid Girl? Not Pink.

My spit take moment? The Cold Open where George makes his pitch to the panel on Dragon's Den to open a Meth lab. This little gem was taped last season and I was so excited to finally see it. I knew it was coming since Dragon's Den will launch next week but I was still laughing through the theme music...

I leave you with the most disgusting item of the week - to PETA for suggesting Ben and Jerry's use human breast milk for their ice cream. Two Questions - What do you fill in for 'occupation' on your tax return and what would the flavour be called? Mammary Mango? Sick. Really sick.

- Tracy

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It was a interesting week this week. Thursday's show was by far the best of the week, except for the Spike Lee interview on Monday, which I'd had the pleasure of seeing taped a couple weeks ago. It was interesting to hear what he said for a second time and I would definitely like to see what he'd do with a musical script. I also thought it was a nice gesture for George to recognise one of his former teachers.

I thought Tuesday's show really tanked after the news, though the "my spidey senses are SIIIIIINGIN' " was highly amusing. The show started off great with George's comeback to Harper's comments about the arts being above the "every man" . Declan Hill made some intriguing points about "the beautiful game" but I was unimpressed with the Pink interview. I don't know anyone who takes PETA spokespeople seriously and while the content of her message may be sound (except the PETA BS) her delivery needs work (which according to the interview will never happen). Also, the Cheech and Chong "Best Story Ever" didn't make any sense (granted I've never been a fan of theirs so perhaps that's the issue), so I was really disappointed with the back half of the show.

On Wednesday, or should I say "Happy Punctuation Day", I was happy to hear that George's favourite punctuation is the elipse... which is my favourite as well(I'm shocked I haven't used them before now). I enjoyed the Buzz Hargrove interview but still don't have a freakin' clue who the other guy is and why I should care.

Thursday... ah... Thursday. Best show of the week, by far. The cold open was fantastic and both Howard Zinn and Damon Albarn made some fantastic points. I've browsed through Zinn's work and absolutely agree with him that it's the little stories in history that make the big picture come together. I look forward to seeing his doc.

~Mich
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I am totally loving all the content found in the segment The Most Important Federal Election...0f 2008! The Cold Opens have also been funny...I do hope that the working conditions of The Hour's writing staff has improved since Mr. Hargrove's visit. ;-)

Howard Zinn...simply brilliant.

For me, the best segment of the week was the interview with Spike Lee. I have never really been a huge follower of his cinematic efforts. However, I truly appreciated his honest, outspoken views on the country he calls home. People who know me in my everyday life are fully aware of my feelings with regard to certain abyssmal aspects US history as it pertains to civil rights, as well as the current administration. Lee's comments comparing the US government's reaction time to the Sri Lanken tsunami versus that of the catastrophic hurricane Katrina were bang on. Like Mr. Lee, I too look forward to the results of the November election.

~ Steph
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Mon w/ Spike Lee: Awesome.

Tues: Declan Hill reminded me of a politician. Interesting subject but seemed he was all about selling himself & what he's done, rather than having a real conversation.

On the polar opposite there was Pink. Completely comfortable w/ herself & George, making it seem like one of his interviews where you're a fly on the wall. Pink's music, I can take or leave, but I've always been a fan of her ability to stay true to herself, and that includes fucking up & making mistakes. I think she challenges her younger audience to try & think for themselves, to stand up for what they believe in, etc. Like she said, it's all about her lyrics, and she def has word penetration. Even if people don't believe in the same things she does, it gets them to think about what they might not have, and yes it's in your face, and harsh to some, but by forming opinions on her words, you are thinking about what she puts out there. Oh, and if you're interested, she has an amazingly sexy performance from her "I'm Not Dead" tour in Wembley.

Wed: Buzz Hargrove. Amazing what he's done for "the working man" and completely refreshing to hear that someone who's put in the hard work, the lobbying, the sacrifices and the determination to get things done, has enjoyed his long career so thoroughly.

Thur: Really, really enjoyed Howard Zinn. His interview reminded me of personalities such as June Calwood & Jane Goodall. Each of them so eloquently outspoken on their passions of driving home issues to the masses, on matters of integral importance, speaking to the soul and our hearts. One can only hope there are more individuals out there, such as these three.

Damon Albarn: "WaHoooo!" Innovative, to be sure. How many of his generation & talent would tackle such a project as a Mandarin Opera?

*On a side note: George mentioned on Monday that Jeremy Hinzman was granted a reprieve from his deportation back to the US. It was based on the assessment errors made by an Immigration official & I applaud Federal Court Judge Mosley in his decision.
From The Canadian Press:
~ In June, a non-binding motion passed in the House of Commons called for the deserters to be allowed to stay in Canada permanently as conscientious objectors. Following the court decision, the War Resisters Campaign called again on the government of Prime Minister Stephen Harper to act on the Commons' motion and to "cease deporting Iraq war resisters." The NDP's Olivia Chow, who introduced the motion, said Monday, "Clearly the courts are standing up when Stephen Harper won't and respecting the will of Parliament." ~
~ Jenuine

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It seems that The Hour has brought back/added some new segments to this season's show:
~THE LIST
~THE MOST IMPORTANT FEDERAL ELECTION OF 2008
~THE AWKWARD SITUATION ROOM.
Similarly, we at the Stroumboulopouli would like to add our own segment to the blog, with a new weekly feature:

Playing back The Hour's best moments from this week, or the week in review, if you will.
Our POV's, comments, fave moments/worst moments, or whatever......and we'd like to encourage you to participate!
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'Cause change is okay. what's the point in staying the same. Regrets, forget what's dead and gone. If you could rewind your time would you change your life?'
- Rewind (Stereophonics)

Perhaps you'd missed an episode. You want to throw something at the screen. You want to kiss the screen...Tim Robbins anyone? Let us know what you think. What did you like? What did you not enjoy?

I love the Cold Opens. Mansbridge - the Puppetmaster uttering the phrase 'Mansbridge doesn't do dairy' Awesome. George in a precariously affixed fake moustache - looking like a reject from a 70's porn flick? Scary. Best of all perhaps was the sweater vest a la Stephen Harper. Geeky. Yes, I wanted to barf too. Nicely done guys!

In coming weeks I want Stephen Harper to have the stones to appear on The Hour. He's been invited and will NOT come on. Mr. Harper - how can you speak FOR Canadians when you won't speak TO them?

The miss of the week? New Kids on the Block cancelling. I can't imagine George asking them even a single question with a straight face. So... when you sing. "Oh oh oh oh oh. Oh oh oh oh. Oh oh oh oh oh. The Right Stuff" is your perspective more enlightened now that you're like.. 40?
Oh... Snap!
-- Tracy
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"In life, there is no pause button, no rewind, and definitely no replay"
-Author unknown

Biggest LOL for me was George explaining that an ex of his was bang on, 18yrs ago, that her friend Russell Peters was very funny & would one day be a huge comedic star.
To which he added, "If she was right about that, what else was she right about?
Am I a selfish lover?
Oh no, I'm not!"
I'm pretty sure that there's a few hundred women out there (and a few guys), that would like to test that theory....

I don't know about anyone else, but I would like the recipients of the 2:20 friend test, to actually try & finish the questions. Hard to interrupt the person when they launch into a story, but the highlight is when the answers are fired off & you get a sense of what the guest is really like.

Difficult not to be outraged by Jeremy Hinzman's plight. Yeah, yeah.....he signed a contract, he fled his country, opens a can of worms for the Canadian govt if they let him stay, yadda yadda....but regardless, the Supreme Court refused to hear his case, he's going back for an undetermined punishment - likely jail time, for standing up for his morals, by refusing to kill for a war he doesn't believe in, and it can only be imagined what life will be like for his wife and two small children. Bah!

Fave interviews: Toss up between Tim Robbins & Stephan Dion.
Fave slam: Sarah Palin being a Klingon.



~ Jenuine
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I always look forward to premiere weeks and this week was no exception. So many little things amused and engaged me over the past few nights...

Good things: George's Kylie Minogue interpretation, George wanting to spread cheese on Ritz, the Gervais interview... and the moustache in the Layton Cold Opener.

Slightly Disturbing Things: Kid Rock's Best Story Ever, Russell Peter's 2-20 (yes, the stories were interesting but the questions are supposed to be fast and quick, I would have liked to hear more Q&A)... and the moustache in the Cold Opener.

I'm feeling the election fever as well (or maybe it's just an inner ear imbalance). I hope that Harper and Duceppe return The Hour's calls and get their butts into that red chair along with the other leadership candidates.
~Mich
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As a political junkie, all the election talk is great. The fact that the art of campaigning has been worked into the Cold Opens is fabulous. My favourite so far? George and his fictitious children.

I really LOVED The Awkward Situation Room! I hope that this feature continues throughout season five.

The Bob Lutz interview was interesting to me, as I have always driven General Motors' products...one Pontiac and three Buicks. As a longtime GM customer I have my own take, in part, on the problems facing the manufacturer. Of course Mr. Lutz did not touch upon this, as his focus is on the future. However, in my experience, good customer service AFTER the vehicle has been purhased is also an issue that needs to be addressed and improved upon.

And finally, a huge highlight of the week for me was that the NKOTB did NOT appear on The Hour! That was awesome!

~ Steph :-)


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